Willow
Salix spp.

Season:
Habitat:
Height: Varies

Description: There are in excess of 25 species of willows occurring in the Rockies. To identify all of them requires much expertise. Most are found in moist habitats, often along watercourses. The most distinctive feature of willows are their leaves. They are long and narrow, coming to a point at both ends with quite short leaf stalks. They are generally finely toothed and attach to the twig in an alternate manner. Like the poplars, they release large numbers of seeds, attached to fine cotton strands. The popular "pussy willow" features are caused by the immature female flower. Willows occur in two forms, male and female. Only female plants grow the familiar fuzzy catkin.